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Kids & teens: Make art, help democracy

Provincial painting contest to promote civic awareness in youth
Art and democracy contest

The province is looking to B.C.'s artistic kids to help promote civic awareness in youth.

The legislature and the office of the Lieutenant Governor are asking young British Columbians to enter an art contest called "Democracy and Me." The intent is to encourage the province's youth "to reflect on the importance of community connections, civic engagement and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and democracy through the creation of visual art," according to a press release.

"This art contest provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the vibrancy of our democracy and further strengthen connections between our public institutions and young people in this province, while at the same time also encouraging youth to express themselves through visual arts," said Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin in the release.

Entries will be accepted in three categories: kindergarten to Grade 4; Grades 5 to 8; and Grades 9 to 12. The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria will provide help in judging. The winning entries in each category will be displayed in the legislature and winning artists will receive a trip to Victoria in May 2020 to be introduced in the legislature and given a tour along with a lunch hosted by Austin at Government House.

Submission deadline is Jan. 31, 2020. All contest details, including how to participate and information for teachers, are available at democracyandme.ca.

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